Déda Derby putting on four wonderful 'pay what you think' performances to reach new audiences

Ria Ghei
By Ria Ghei
Published 5th Mar 2024, 13:01 BST
An artist takes to the stage in the Untitled show at Déda Derby, which is a performance included the Pay What You Decide initiative | Image Déda DerbyAn artist takes to the stage in the Untitled show at Déda Derby, which is a performance included the Pay What You Decide initiative | Image Déda Derby
An artist takes to the stage in the Untitled show at Déda Derby, which is a performance included the Pay What You Decide initiative | Image Déda Derby | Déda Derby

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The intriguing initiative is now live and there are several exciting shows to choose from

A Derby arts and dance centre is offering people the opportunity to watch shows and pay what they decide, in a move to encourage new audiences.

It could be a great way to explore new acts, check out a show you would normally not contemplate and have fun in the process.

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The best part is that a night enjoying the arts need not dent your bank account and you’re in control of what you pay.

Déda’s new policy lets audiences decide what they think a show is worth after it is finished.

The regional dance house and creative space has been delighting locals for over three decades and is now a nationally recognised Creative Centre.

There are four shows under the Pay What You Decide (PWYD) initiative which is designed to encourage new audiences to the Chapel Street venue.

How does Pay What You Decide Work at Déda Derby

The shows are free to book online. Once you’ve attended the event, you can pay an amount of your choice after the show has ended, based on your experience and what you can afford.

Déda creative producer Manya Benenson said: “We have a reputation for offering a high quality and diverse range of new and innovative performances in our intimate theatre space.

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“Although we have a loyal audience base, we want to encourage new people to experience brand new shows and the unique offering at Déda.

“We have therefore introduced ‘Pay What You Decide’ effectively breaking down two of the key barriers that new audiences may face in trying something new – affordability and risk.

“Venues have been offering Pay What You Can for years, but PWYD is distinctly different. Rather than paying up front, our customers will book a ticket without making any payment and then decide after the show what they think it is worth.

“We hope that it will encourage more people to book with us, some for the first time, and once they have experienced the magic of Déda will come back again and again.”

The four shows under the PWYD initiative are as follows.

Read more: What's On in Derby?

1. Small Island Stories

Multi-sensory and intergenerational show about Caribbean food and traditions on Friday April 19.

2. Handful Of Nothing

Show tackling issues about dealing with challenges and uncertainty through spoken word, contemporary dance, aerial and puppetry against an original score on Thursday May 9.

3. Bird

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A contemporary Kathak dance performance portraying uncertainties and social stigma faced by domestic violence survivors on Thursday June 6.

4. Untitled

The last ever performance by 72-year-old dance artist Emilyn Claid which explores queering and ageing with dark humour, on Friday June 21.

For more information visit Déda’s website by clicking here.

Address: Déda, 19 Chapel Street, Derby DE1 3GU

Related topics:ArtsDanceDerbyCaribbeanTheatrePeopleWorkSpaceUncertaintyFood

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